Local guy has quite a few late 60s early 70s quads for sale. Can anyone school me on most desirable Buick units to look at? He has a number of Olds units also. Know there are a few Olds fans here also. Thanks. Doug.
The most desirable as far as performance is concerned are the 1971 and up QJs as they are 800 CFM as opposed to 750 for the 1970 and older. Also, the Buick engines like the fuel inlet straight out from the front of the carb to mate up with the stock fuel inlet coming from the fuel pump. If originality isn't a concern the fuel inlet can be in any direction. There are other differences on the later QJs that some may post about.
I would look for 1972 and up Q-jets with the larger castings that flow 800 CFM. They were fitted to big block Buick engines starting in 1971. The 72 and up Q-jets use a better seal for the fuel fitting and are less prone to leaks. The later Q-jets have a better float that can take more fuel pressure. The 1975 Q-jets have the APT system as well. I would buy Cliff Ruggles book and read up on the most desirable Q-jets. There is a lot of info in that book. https://cliffshighperformance.com/product/how-to-rebuild-and-modify-rochester-quadrajet-carburetors
I'd buy them all. If you get one numbers carb for a muscle car you'll be in a good spot i.e. stage 1, w30, etc...
I do have Cliffs book. Have done a few late models with his help. I dont need anymore, lookin more for Stage 1 / w-30 numbers. Would just pass them on to someone lookin for a numbers matching unit if there happens to be one in the pile.
It doesn't get any better than Cliff's book. He tells you the most desirable Q-jets to look for. Are you just looking for the Stage1 carburetor part numbers? 1970 Stage 1 was 7040246 1971 Stage 1 was 7041242 1972 Stage 1 was 7042242 and 7042942 (California) 1973 Stage 1 was 7043242 1974 Stage 1 was 7044242 and 7044540 ( A-B-C-E series California) (B-C-E series Stage1)
Not lookin for anything specific. Just thought I would look and pass on if someone needed one. No Stage 1 numders in the pile. Anyone looking for anything else I could pick up for you?
Are there any desirable Cadillac part numbers? Has anyone created a cheat sheet to carry around when shopping for deals? I'll order the book asap.
There are very few folks out there looking for Cadillac cores. I can't even remember the last time someone called asking me to look for a specific one. The most highly sought after right now are the 1968-70 Pontiac Ram Air carbs ending in 273 (manual transmission), 1970 Olds W-30, and 1970 Buick Stage 1. I have several 7014242's here now for at least 10 years and never had a call for one. I get a lot of calls for the 7040246's and couple of times a week for a 7028273, 7029273 or 7040273 (Pontiac Ram Air Manual Transmission). Another highly sought after core is the Chevy 7040205. I get about 2-3 calls a month from someone looking for one, they were used on the 1970 big block Chevy engines with the manual transmission. If you have any of the carbs mentioned above, complete and in decent shape for rebuilding you just might have a small Lottery ticket in your hand! I would add here that quite a few Service Replacement carburetors were made to support the Pontiac Ram Air and Buick Stage 1 carburetors. They will have much later than the production year Julian Dates and most do not have a Plant Code after the number. The SR carburetors are not nearly as valuable as an original dated carb, so keep this in mind when you find a 7028276 (for example) Pontiac Ram Air carb and think you've just hit the lottery.......Cliff
Here is the list. See anything you want me to look at and I will check out and send pics. I did not confirm application.
Would be interested in all the Pre-Feedback solenoid Chevy carbs depending on condition and price. Original carbs down here, if not hammered on, tend to be un-oxidized and in pretty nice condition.
The 1973 Buick 455 carburetors (7043240) are 800 CFM, and they have the better internally sealed fuel fitting. If I was looking for a Q-jet, those are the ones I'd want.
Suppose to have been in storage since '83. He is asking $50 each. Would guess a deal could be swing on volume purchase.
I have an OEM in near NOS shape 7042942 that I believe was removed back in day 2 in lue of a Holley and sat on a shelf for the next 45 years I would want $1200 + for, they are hard to find in any condition, and I have seen The 7040246 sell for $2000 also, so you can find some pretty good prices for a select few of them.
